Alright Loves, this is it the next chapter will be the last one! It'll wrap up court with Shin and have a little flashforward!

Finale

Chapter Six

Jade Ito sat outside the courtroom, waiting for her husband; her eyes were still puffy from the crying she had done. It felt like all the tears had been sucked out of her body; the betrayal still burned hot in her chest but it was subdued for now. Instead, she waited her eyes constantly flicking from the doors of the courtroom and across the hall where she sat.

Shin wasn't going to come out anytime soon after he revealed he was Akira's biological father. The rest of the session was spent deep-diving into the contracted agreement between him and Akira and pinpointing what exactly it was she didn't include; and what her mother's clause with Shin was. It took the better part of the day, and the judge decided to continue the next day.

But that hardly crossed Jade's mind; her mind was on Akira Piandao. The young woman was sitting outside her lawyer, and friends made a protective shield around her. Jade bit down the desire she had to go over there and speak to the girl; she wasn't sure how the young woman would react. The longer she sat there, the more it ate at her; she just needed some closure or proof of what she had heard. That she was not the manipulative and; hungry woman Shin made her out to be.

After a few more moments, she stepped away, waving off her entourage, and went to the restroom. Jade took a deep breath and waited a few moments before following her inside. Jade stopped at the large vanity; the bright lights began to make her eyes water from their intensity; Jade looked into her reflection, the unhappiness in her eyes was evident, and she tried to school her face. But had little luck, she opted to fix the already impeccable makeup on her face as she waited for Akira to come out. Another moment passed, and the young woman exited the stall, she reached the skin and began washing her hands before glancing her way.

Jade was struck by her eyes, they were exactly like Shin's. The same endlessly deep brown, but when the light hit, a shudder shook her body as she saw the red undertones shine through. Giving the illusion of rubies within those lovely almond-shaped eyes, Jade felt the initial fear in looking into those eyes before it melted away.

Where Shin's eyes were predatory and cold, Akira's were different; there was a warmth a depth to them that called out to you and begged you to dive into their depths.

Jade broke the eye contact reaching for a hand towel and wordlessly handed it to the young woman. She took it with a small smile of thanks; Jade continued studying her. She was truly lovely, and the more she looked at her, the more she could see Lein. She favored her mother in most ways, the darker skin tone although hers was slightly lighter than her mother's. Her hair curled gently where it laid at her collarbone, and her nose was rounder than Shin's pointed tip, but the same severe cheekbones made her features sharp and regal much like her fathers.

"I see him in you." Akira stiffened at that; she narrowed her eyes unwillingly making the resemblance stronger. Jade's eyes traveled to the fading cuts that littered her skin before landing on the fading injury on the side of her lovely face. The pink line began at her scalp and traveled down the left side of her face as if outlining it.

"Don't." She said sharply, "Don't link me to him." Jade nodded in understanding, if anyone could understand what it meant to be linked to Shin it was Jade. She swallowed, unsure of how to voice what she wanted to say.

There was a large part of her that still resented Lein, that lived with that disdain in her heart. She always blamed her for Shin's inability to love her fully, to push her hard to be someone she wasn't. For so long, it felt like she was living in the shadow of a woman she didn't care to idolize.

But seeing this young woman, she could understand it now; she was a force of nature she would not be beaten down. She was the type of woman, to not only join the fight but start it if necessary, and Jade finally understood what he saw. And she could understand the pull, it didn't excuse his actions, and it didn't excuse her failures. But, she finally understood; she understood why her son would follow her. She laid her hand hesitantly on Akira's arm smiling shyly, "I apologize, I just want to commend you. Your strength in this time, and your inability to be swayed by Shin." Jade looked away for a moment her throat tightening, "I can understand the pull of Shin, the way he can seduce those to join him. That through pain and suffering, he can manipulate comradery."

Jade finally met Akira's gaze invigored by a new strength, "He doesn't know that I know, but I am so proud that my son has found you. And that he has finally broken the cycle I have created by depending on Shin. I truly hope you can force him to reach justice. Because no one deserves to be shackled by Shin."

Akira looked at her for a moment, something like understanding flashing through her eyes. Jade smiled back at her, a rather melancholy smile but a smile nonetheless. She turned to leave before Akira spoke, "Mrs. Ito?" Jade turned, the girl bit her lip in apprehension, "You aren't shackled to any man, there is a strength in you. I see it, especially in your son." Jade watched this girl, those eyes that had caused her so much pain now making her feel something else.

Hope.

Jade nodded fighting the tears threatening to spill from her eyes before leaving the room, the heaviness that seemed ever-present on her chest finally lifted. As Jade leaves the bathroom, she finds her son, he was speaking quietly to the assistant from Piandao Industries before turning to her with a small smile on his face.

Jade hugs her son, he returns it albeit shocked, "Is everything alright mother?' He puts her at arm's length away his eyes surveying her, and it broke her heart that he still did that. Looked for physical evidence that he had laid a hand on her. "Yes, I just wanted to say that…I'm so proud of you." Reli looked alarmed but before he could get a word out, Jade felt a large hand encircle her bicep.

She was pulled to Shin's chest as he laughed heartily at what someone said, he turned his head to Jade's ear feigning a kiss on her neck as he whispered. "What were you saying to Akira?" Jade laughed and motioned for Shin to follow her from the room. Once in private, she turned to him the anger and confusion she felt in all of these years finally coming to the surface. Shin opened his mouth to speak but she silenced him taking a step forward her green eyes set aflame by her anger.

"Don't, you don't get to be the one who's upset." Shin opened his mouth and shut it his eyes straying from hers, he had the decency to look ashamed. "How long have you known? Or suspected?" Shin sighed drawing a hand across his face, "Jade it was a necessity that this stayed under..."

And for the first time in their time together she raised a hand back at him, and it felt like a victory. Without another word Jade strutted away from Shin not before he reached for her bicep, Jade looked down at him her lips curling in a sneer.

"Let's not start a scene husband, we wouldn't want you charged for domestic violence." Shin let go of her arm like it was on fire, his eyes churned with anger and something else; something Jade hadn't seen from him in years.

Desire, for her.

Akira

Akira smoothed down her blouse before moving on to fumble with the hem of her skirt for the fifth time. It seemed to be the only thing calming her nerves on the way to the courthouse, she was about to repeat the action when Mako's hands enveloped hers. She turned towards him with a sheepish grin, "Nervous?" he asked his lips twitching as he fought off a smile. Akira quirked her lips at his actions, before rolling her eyes;

"Nope, not even a bit." It was Mako's turn to roll his eyes a smile stretching across his face. Things were strange between the two, while a lot of it felt like the same there was a newness to their relationship.

It was probably from the distance from one another, but Akira often found herself searching for Mako in a room and seeking him out if he wasn't beside her. It wasn't codependency, but rather a desire to be around him, and a part of her knew it was just another addition to the love she felt for him, but she also just felt…strange.

There was something in her bones telling her that this was it, after this court session this would be the end. Her life wouldn't be prone to these dangers anymore, and that was what was keeping her moving. She wouldn't dwell on the consequences, those were inevitable, and she was willing to pay the price.

The car came to a stop, and all eyes turned to her. Akira smiled reassuring them more than herself as she stepped out of the car. Mako was quick at her side and Asami flanked her left, with Korra taking the lead as the cameras flashed. The light was just as blinding as it was the day before, the cacophony that greeted her ears left an unsettling shakiness in her bones. It was jarring, with the heated flash of the cameras on her face and just the feeling of the sheer mass of people around her was making her sweat.

She tried to focus on what they were saying but one look at Mako's clenched jaw and the tight grip Asami had on Korra's bicep was enough for her not to try to hear more. Because the words she did hear had her clenching her jaw with them.

What made Shin Ito so uncertain about Akira's parentage, how many men did Lein Piandao entertain?

How does it feel to have your father take what is rightfully yours?

How after over 20 years does it feel to know the true identity of your father?

Are you going to go by Akira Ito now?

Akira whipped her head at the comment causing a rush of silence to fall on the crowd by the ferocity of her gaze. She gently pushed past Asami and Korra and made her way to one of the rails. Her eyes scanning the crowd, "Who said that?"

Akira was met with the sounds of cameras fluttering fiercely the hot pop of the bulb making her skin itch from the heat. The air felt charged from the steely glance Akira gave the crowd before she pushed her shoulders back something sharp gleaming in her red-brown eyes.

"I will say this only once. Shin Ito may be my father biologically but that is his only claim to me, to my company, and the Piandao legacy." With a sharp turn on her heel, Akira entered the courthouse her chest burning, but not in rage as it often would have. But understanding, she would never be free from Shin. He was burned into her family tree and there was no undoing it, but she was never going to let him claim her as his daughter.

Not now, not ever.

The courtroom was buzzing with energy, after the scandalous reveal of Akira's parentage the jurors were beside themselves. No matter how much one might admit, a person can't help but indulge in a scandal. And one from such a prominent family made an excellent source of entertainment for an otherwise mundane appointment.

In the Fire Nation government, civil court was held by a judge and six jurors. The jurors would hear the case made by the lawyers and suggest a ruling. But it was ultimately in the hands of the judge to rule out justice and punishment. Which could be a very good or very bad thing, particularly with Shin Ito's deep pockets.

The judge's stern eyes met with both Shin and Akira as she opened the session, "Before we begin I have decided we will no longer allow reporters during this session, they caused too much of a frenzy and caused us to lose valuable time." Her eyes zeroed in on Shin daring the man to argue about the lack of media presence, but he was on his best behavior and nodded a hand to his heart.

"I completely agree your honor." Her lips twitched to a frown, she then turned to Akira her glance making Akira feel uncertain before she turned to Shin with a nod allowing him to begin his argument.

Shin's testimony was weak at best, he reiterated much of the information told before about his claim to her fortune as her father. He was boastful, each time he revealed more information it was like the big reveal in a show. Shin was a showman and he was working hard to entertain his crowd; it was from his performance that Akira learned a lot.

He bought out two of the jurors, but the judge remained honorable, she narrowed her eyes during half of his defense and pursed her lips at the other half. For the majority of his defense, she had to remind Shin to stay on topic, it was almost laughable. Akira could see the relief on her friend's faces but she wasn't buying it, she knew this was all build-up for something shocking. The last thing he would say would be his big reveal, providing the ultimate shock factor.

Akira braced herself for it, her lawyer and her meeting eyes as they both expected the same. "I have listed every discretion that this girl…my daughter has done. I don't wish to see her in jail, I want her to get help. From her violet anger and these outbursts of deceit and lies; and while I understand how jarring this information can be. I do believe that justice is a teacher, and it is a valuable lesson she must face. I am willing to drop all other charges the deceit, and the withholding of information, but I implore you she must face justice for allowing weapons that can very well destroy communities into the world."

Akira bit her cheek at the comment, he wasn't wrong she was very aware of what she did. While the hand cannon was not a part of it, she did allow Wren to take those weapons but she had also written him clear instructions on who to sell it to. Akira glanced at her lawyer who nodded a bit the two of them understanding exactly what was happening next.

"I have brought the man who is tied to these dealings. Wren, young man if you would like to take the stand."

Akira watched as Wren sauntered down the courtroom and to the stand, his brown hair swept in that effortless rumpled hairstyle, something Reli would have died to be able to manage. His deep brown eyes twinkled with mischief as he flashed a wink at Akira.

"Ms. Piandao, you are lovelier in person." Shin frowned at that, his eyes landing on Akira as she smiled at Wren's blatant flirting.

"No really, I mean it, you're a catch. I see now why your mother Lein was spoken so highly of, you're stunning." Akira fought the urge to roll her eyes and opted instead to narrow her eyes at him, trying to urge him to get to the point.

The judge cleared her throat annoyed by the encounter, "Let's remain on task, Wren please tell the court of your relevance in this trial."

Wren flashed a wide smile at the judge before continuing, "I know there are some… well rumors that my family is the head of this illustrious black market in the Fire Nation." Akira saw something dark flash across his face, but it was gone in an instant the smile returning. His eyes caught Akira's and he winked again before continuing.

"I am all too aware of baseless accusations, and it's why I feel sympathy for this trial. I am afraid that Ms. Piandao is being set up." Shin rose to his feet his face morphing into the rageful man Akira knew intimately well.

"What is the meaning of this! Your honor, he is lying!" Shin hissed; the judge looked towards him her eyes narrowing. Before turning to the truth seer in the room, the man shook his head signifying Wren was being truthful. "You will do your best to keep quiet in my courtroom." With one last pointed look, she nodded for Wren to continue.

"It was brought to my attention that Piandao Industries was selling their goods and…" Shin looked ready to explode from the insinuation, he rose to his feet glaring at Wren. "I'll ask you this who made you aware of these goods?"

Wren smirked, "Why the CEO of Piandao Industries." Shin paled at that and the judge turned to the truth seer who gave a short nod. Shin sat in disbelief, "But my position…" The judge shot him a fierce look actively quieting him.

"Thank you for your time, Wren, we'll now proceed to Ms. Piandao's defense." Shin looked at a loss of words, Akira watched satisfied to see the man crumbling.

Her lawyer rose a smile on his face before turning to the jurors and the rest of those in the courtroom. "You have all heard Shin Ito's claims, and now you've heard the first of many lies. Akira and I are here today to see that justice is won. So we will tell the truth." He trailed off his eyes meeting Shin's, Shin rose to his full height in the chair challenging him.

Akira watched her lawyer smirk before he turned his gaze to the jurors, and then finally the judge.

"Let's talk about what Ms. Piandao went through, in her own words." Akira rose from her seat and calmly walked to the stand, and then she told them.

Akira swallowed heavily, her heart pounding in her ears. She tried to trick herself into thinking this was right before a performance. But she couldn't kid herself this time, there was a lot at stake, and besides the one-half truth, she had Wren admit she did intend on being truthful. Akira saw Kili's reassuring smile, Asami's nods of encouragement, Akon's small nod, Yara's wide blue eyes brimming with hopeful tears, even Reli's small smile. But ultimately her gaze landed on Mako, his bright eyes shining as he gave her a curt nod.

Akira exhaled slowly, a small smile on her face as she gazed at him before turning her gaze to Shin, her mouth twisting into a thin line. "I met Shin Ito in Republic City as a stranger, in a short amount of time he threatened me, my business, my entire legacy. And that was before he even knew I was his daughter. What he did afterward was much worse…"

Akira paused fighting the tremors threatening to overtake her, that day in the water flashed vivid images in her mind. She clenched her lips hard and closed her eyes fighting away the images, the breathless feeling; she was falling and rapidly. She felt her heart rate increase, the room felt like it was closing in around her.

Akira gasped, her fingers digging into the arms of the seat. She could vaguely hear the judge saying something to her, she felt a warm hand envelop hers and saw Akon's warm eyes. She let out a shaky breath as he held onto her firmly. "You're safe." Akira looked up to see Mako right behind him, his hand over her other one. "We've got you."

The judge looked down at Akira something like sympathy flashing across her face. "Take all the time you need." Akira nodded, before smiling at the two men before her. "I'm fine, no need to be dramatic." A small rumble of laughter chorused across the courtroom as they returned to their seats.

Akira set her shoulders back and eyed Shin, fighting the fear that bubbled in her throat at seeing him; and that hot rage that never seemed to dissipate. "I would not be bullied by him, so I did something reckless. I was offered an Agni Kai against Shin Ito and I accepted, we eventually revoked the conditions and engaged in an illegal duel; meaning Mr. Ito would own the entirety of my company."

Shin looked ready to implode at her admission, "Your honor you must…" she gave him a withering glare, "If you interrupt in my courtroom again, I will have you forcibly removed." So, Akira continued she told them all of the things he had done, the payment to the guards, attempting to kill her; the threats, and all the information Reli had given her. But that was the beginning she then told them everything she had done as well. At some point, she realized that hiding the truth wasn't worth it. She didn't need him to have any secrets over her or Wren for that matter.

Akira stopped her mouth parch from the retelling of her story. "I am not a victim nor am I innocent; I can admit to that. But I'll be damned if Shin Ito leaves this room without being charged for his indiscretions." With one last smirk, Akira left the stand seeing the stunned faces of her friends and jurors alike.

Her lawyer gave her a look, Akira braced herself for his anger in deviating from their plans but he looked proud instead. "The truth is always the best option." He whispered before rising from the table, he rounded the corner with a folder in his hands. "Now we all can agree that Ms. Piandao has dabbled in illegal activities. The selling of her wares was frankly illegal and could have endangered local communities, but this was desperation brought upon by Mr. Ito. A man who claims he wants the best for his child and yet has caused her to undergo multiple forms of trauma, the attempted murder of Mako and Ms. Piandao herself."

Her lawyer paused looking out to those sitting in the courtroom, before nodding to himself and continuing. "But there is one last thing I must bring to light. The document created by Lein Piandao was during her time with Mr. Ito, but there is important wording within that contract. It says that should anything happen to Lein Piandao her child's father would have full control until that child's 25th birthday." The judge nodded urging him to continue having had enough of theatrics because of Shin.

"This document contains both a marriage license and an adoption when Ms. Piandao was thirteen years old. Akon is her father, and therefore legally has full operational control of Ms. Piandao's trusts and Piandao Industries. Here are the official documentation and wording itself."

Her lawyer turned his triumphant gaze to Shin's morphing red face.

"In short, Mr. Ito did not and never will have a claim to Piandao Industries. It also makes Ms. Piandao's signing of Piandao Industries void." He turned to Shin a smirk on his face, "It seems Mr. Ito you own…well nothing."